pim
Member
- Joined
- May 16, 2019
- Messages
- 15
- Reaction score
- 2
Ah, how I love ominous thread titles!
I've been lurking these forums for awhile, so starting this type of thread is a first for me. New year, new me, huh?
Like many other users on this site, I have social anxiety. On top of that, I’ve always had an extremely timid disposition, which has further prevented me from seeking out friends (and from posting on internet forums, apparently). It was easier to deal with when I was younger since people usually approached me first, but in hindsight, I learned nothing about the importance of initiative. And these days, even when I am granted the opportunity to make friends, such interactions are always rendered fruitless by my inability to actively participate in conversation and deal with my anxiety. I know a certain extent of my problems are the result of my inherent shyness, but I can't help but wonder how much it truly affects my sociability in comparison to my social anxiety disorder.
I could go on and on about this, but I am in dire need of someone else’s perspective on the matter. I don't have any specific questions, but I'd like to dedicate this thread to those who have also struggled with social anxiety and shyness, whether it's your thoughts, experiences, or advice - anything helps! Perhaps you disagree with my distinction between shyness and SAD? I'm sure there's no right answer to any question I ask, so simply hearing back from the community will be useful enough.
I've been lurking these forums for awhile, so starting this type of thread is a first for me. New year, new me, huh?
Like many other users on this site, I have social anxiety. On top of that, I’ve always had an extremely timid disposition, which has further prevented me from seeking out friends (and from posting on internet forums, apparently). It was easier to deal with when I was younger since people usually approached me first, but in hindsight, I learned nothing about the importance of initiative. And these days, even when I am granted the opportunity to make friends, such interactions are always rendered fruitless by my inability to actively participate in conversation and deal with my anxiety. I know a certain extent of my problems are the result of my inherent shyness, but I can't help but wonder how much it truly affects my sociability in comparison to my social anxiety disorder.
I could go on and on about this, but I am in dire need of someone else’s perspective on the matter. I don't have any specific questions, but I'd like to dedicate this thread to those who have also struggled with social anxiety and shyness, whether it's your thoughts, experiences, or advice - anything helps! Perhaps you disagree with my distinction between shyness and SAD? I'm sure there's no right answer to any question I ask, so simply hearing back from the community will be useful enough.